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The Devil Is in the Default Options:
Some Key Questions on Private Accounts

By

Jonathan Clements Staff Reporter of The Wall Street Journal

Updated Feb. 9, 2005 12:01 a.m. ET

If they lose, you lose.

Let's be honest: When a fistful of foolish investors fall on their face, the rest of us usually don't shed any tears. But the proposed Social Security private accounts are different. If your fellow citizens lose their shirts, you will likely foot the bill -- in the form of higher taxes.